Easy Air Fryer Croquettes: Quick Leftover Meal Idea

Name: Easy Air Fryer Croquettes: Quick Leftover Meal Idea
Prep time: 27 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Brazilian
Ingredients: 2 cups Mashed Potatoes (leftover, cold); 1/2 cup Grated Cheese (cheddar or mozzarella); 1/4 cup Cooked Ham or Chicken (diced, optional, from leftovers); 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper; 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder; 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour (for dredging); 2 large Eggs (beaten); 1 cup Breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crisp); as needed Cooking Oil Spray (for air fryer)

Learn how to transform your refrigerator leftovers into delicious, crispy air fryer croquettes. This simple recipe is perfect for a quick snack or a light meal, utilizing ingredients you already have on hand to create a satisfying dish with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

#Easy Recipe

#Air Fryer

#Croquettes

#Snack

#Appetizer

#Leftovers

#Quick Meal

Ready to Mix Ingredients

Recipe Information

27m

Prep Time

18m

Cook Time

45m

Total Time

Servings

Easy

Brazilian

Portuguese

Nutrition (per serving)

250

Calories

10g

Protein

25g

Carbs

12g

Fat

Forming Croquettes

Ingredients

Servings: 4

💡 Tip: Check off ingredients as you add them to keep track of your progress!

Coating Croquettes

Instructions

0/7 completed

1
Prepare Filling: Combine mashed potatoes, grated cheese, diced meat (if using), salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
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5m
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Prepare Filling: Combine mashed potatoes, grated cheese, diced meat (if using), salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
5m
Ensure mashed potatoes are cold for easier handling.
2
Form Croquettes: Take about 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture and shape it into small cylindrical or oval croquettes. Repeat until all mixture is used.
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7m
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Form Croquettes: Take about 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture and shape it into small cylindrical or oval croquettes. Repeat until all mixture is used.
7m
Moisten your hands slightly to prevent sticking.

3
Set Up Dredging Station: Prepare three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
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2m
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Set Up Dredging Station: Prepare three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
2m
Organize plates in a line for efficient coating.
4
Coat Croquettes: Roll each croquette first in flour (shake off excess), then dip in beaten egg, and finally coat generously with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
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10m
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Coat Croquettes: Roll each croquette first in flour (shake off excess), then dip in beaten egg, and finally coat generously with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
10m
A double coating of breadcrumbs can enhance crispiness.
5
Preheat Air Fryer & Arrange: Lightly spray the coated croquettes with cooking oil. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Arrange the croquettes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch.
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3m
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Preheat Air Fryer & Arrange: Lightly spray the coated croquettes with cooking oil. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Arrange the croquettes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch.
3m
Do not overcrowd the basket for best results.

6
Air Fry: Cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
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18m
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Air Fry: Cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
18m
Cooking time may vary by air fryer model; check for desired crispiness.
7
Serve: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
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1m
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Serve: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
1m
Great with ketchup, mayo, or a spicy aioli.